Oil hovers below $77 in Asia as global stock markets bolster optimism

Oil hovers below $77 as global stock markets rise

SINGAPORE – Oil prices hovered below $77 a barrel Monday in Asia, boosted by a rally in global stock markets.
Benchmark crude for November delivery was up 6 cents to $76.55 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Recession over, but few takers for Durga idols abroad

KOLKATA – Recession may have ebbed, but artisans of the potters’ colony Kumartuli here say export orders for idols for next month’s Durga Puja festival have picked up only marginally compared to last year.

“We in Kumartuli have received a slightly higher number of orders compared to last year,” Babu Pal, who is an artisan and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Recession over, but few takers for Durga idols abroad.

Delegates gather in North Korea for biggest political meeting amid succession move speculation

Delegates gather in NKorea for political meeting

SEOUL, South Korea – Delegates to North Korea’s biggest political meeting in decades gathered in the country’s capital amid speculation that leader Kim Jong Il will appoint a son and other family members to key positions as part of a succession plan.
The official Korean Central News Agency announced last …. Original article  : Delegates gather in North Korea for biggest political meeting amid succession move speculation.

Pitney Bowes Software India wins at ‘Asia Best Employer Brand Awards 2010???

Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Sept.27 (ANI-Business Wire India): Pitney Bowes Software India, a subsidiary of the US-based Pitney Bowes Inc, a global technology company recognized as leader in innovation, recently won the very prestigious ‘Diversity Impact Award’ at the Asia …. Source article  : Pitney Bowes Software India wins at ‘Asia Best Employer Brand Awards 2010′.

Briton bricks up bank to protest loan rejection

LONDON – A businessman in Britain bricked up the front door of a bank after he was turned down for a loan.

Cameron Hope, 59, carried out the protest after his request for a loan to expand his business was rejected.
The Daily Express reported Monday that Hope used blocks to build an 8 feet … Read more >>>.

Certificate of Registration of Shyamram Financial Services Pvt.Ltd. – Cancelled

The Reserve Bank of India has on July 26, 2010 cancelled the certificate of registration granted on March 4, 1998 to Shyamram Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. having its registered office at ‘Shree Nidhi’,  815/A, 11th Main, 5th Cross, 4th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore – 560 034 for carrying on the business … Read : Certificate of Registration of Shyamram Financial Services Pvt.Ltd. – Cancelled.

Japan asks China to pay for damage to patrol boats hit by Chinese trawler as tensions simmer

Japan asks China to cover damage to patrol boats

TOKYO – Japan asked China to pay for damage to Japanese patrol boats hit by a Chinese fishing vessel near disputed islands, as simmering tension between the two Asian neighbors showed no signs of easing Monday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku’s remarks came a day after Japan’s prime … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Japan asks China to pay for damage to patrol boats hit by Chinese trawler as tensions simmer.

Asian stock markets climb, take cues from Wall Street rally and higher metal prices

Asian stock markets start new week with gains

BANGKOK – Asian stock markets kicked off a new week of trading in good spirits, encouraged by an improvement in U.S. indicators that provided respite from worries about the durability of the economic recovery.
An increase in U.S. corporate spending and a big jump in orders for manufactured goods, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Asian stock markets climb, take cues from Wall Street rally and higher metal prices.

Iran may sue Russia over S-300 missile deal row

TEHRAN – A top Iranian lawmaker has said the country would sue Russia for the S-300 missile deal if Russia fails to deliver the system to Iran, a media report said.

“The issue can be pursued legally if Russia does not provide Iran with missile system and in such a case compensation should be paid …. Original source  : Iran may sue Russia over S-300 missile deal row.

Japan’s exports up 15.8 percent in August; overseas demand losing pace

Japan’s export growth slows for sixth month

TOKYO – Japan’s export growth slowed for the sixth consecutive month in August, as a strong yen and cooling global demand rattled an already fragile recovery.
The value of exports climbed 15.8 percent from a year earlier to 5.22 trillion yen ($61.9 billion), the Ministry of Finance said Monday.
It was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Japan’s exports up 15.8 percent in August; overseas demand losing pace.

Chavez opponents aim to put checks on president’s power in Venezuela congressional vote

Chavez fights for control in congressional vote

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela is awaiting the results of congressional elections, and President Hugo Chavez’s opponents are hoping to break his long-standing monopoly on power in the National Assembly.
Voters formed long lines at polling stations during Sunday’s balloting, which stirred strong sentiment on both sides of Venezuela’s political divide. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chavez opponents aim to put checks on president’s power in Venezuela congressional vote.

Money Market Operations as on Sep 24, 2010

…. Source  : Money Market Operations as on Sep 24, 2010.

Israel’s West Bank settlement slowdown expires; no Palestinian decision to quit peace talks

Israeli building slowdown ends; settlers celebrate

REVAVA, West Bank – Jewish settlers released balloons and broke ground on a kindergarten in celebration Sunday as a 10-month construction slowdown expired, while U.S. and Israeli leaders tried to figure out how to keep Palestinians from walking out of peace talks over the end of the restrictions.
After the slowdown … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Israel’s West Bank settlement slowdown expires; no Palestinian decision to quit peace talks.

All follow the Dow but maybe we should watch Caterpillar. A look at how 1 firm rules the index

Is it time to ditch the Dow? The naysayers’ case.

NEW YORK – It’s Caterpillar’s market.
The Illinois maker of earth movers is just one of 30 companies in the Dow Jones industrial average, but you wouldn’t know it from its impact on the index recently. Caterpillar’s stock is responsible for 40 percent of the Dow’s climb …. Read the original article  : All follow the Dow but maybe we should watch Caterpillar. A look at how 1 firm rules the index.

Comcast Chief Operating Officer Steve Burke to be new CEO at NBC Universal, replacing Zucker

Comcast COO Burke takes top spot at NBC Universal

NEW YORK – Comcast Chief Operating Officer Steve Burke will succeed Jeff Zucker as the new CEO of NBC Universal later this year, when Comcast takes control of the broadcaster.
Comcast Corp. and General Electric Co., which currently owns NBC, said Sunday that Burke will work with Zucker … Read more : Comcast Chief Operating Officer Steve Burke to be new CEO at NBC Universal, replacing Zucker.

Hyundai recalls 139,500 Sonata sedans in US over possible problems with steering column shaft

Summary Box: Hyundai recalls 139,500 Sonatas in US

THE RECALL: Hyundai Motor Co. is recalling 139,500 Sonata sedans in the U.S. because of a manufacturing defect that may cause drivers to lose steering control.
THE VEHICLES: The recall affects 2011 models built between Dec. 11, 2009 and Sept. 10. Some of the cars have steering column shafts …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Hyundai recalls 139,500 Sonata sedans in US over possible problems with steering column shaft.

10 years after its approval by FDA, abortion pill faces new turmoil over telemedicine

After 10 years in US, abortion pill still divisive

NEW YORK – Ten years ago, after long and bitter debate, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved use of the abortion pill by American women. It is hailed as safe and effective, but new turmoil may lie ahead as the pill’s proponents consider using telemedicine to … Read more »»».

US official: Last-minute talks on settlement deal to rescue Israel-Palestinian talks

Washington seeking settlement deal to save talks

JERUSALEM – An official in Washington says urgent diplomatic efforts are underway to rescue Israeli-Palestinian peace talks hours before a West Bank settlement construction slowdown expires.
Palestinians have threatened to walk out of the talks if the construction resumes. President Barack Obama restarted the negotiations this month after weeks of … Original source on Gaea Times at : US official: Last-minute talks on settlement deal to rescue Israel-Palestinian talks.

How much is a life worth? $93,000 cancer drug pushes boundaries, and patients feel the pinch

$93,000 cancer drug: How much is a life worth?

BOSTON – Cancer patients, brace yourselves. Many new drug treatments cost nearly $100,000 a year, sparking fresh debate about how much a few months more of life is worth.
The latest is Provenge, a first-of-a-kind therapy approved in April. It costs $93,000 and adds four months’ survival, on …. Read the original article  : How much is a life worth? $93,000 cancer drug pushes boundaries, and patients feel the pinch.

White House, top Democrats expect to extend middle-class tax cut in vote after fall election

White House, Dems see tax cut vote after election

WASHINGTON – The White House and Democratic leaders in Congress said Sunday they would find a way to extend middle-class tax cuts after the November elections, unable to secure GOP backing before lawmakers break to campaign.
“One way or the other, we’re going to get it done. And … Original source on Gaea Times at : White House, top Democrats expect to extend middle-class tax cut in vote after fall election.